Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting molten material such as molten metal into a die cavity under pressure from a shot cylinder wherein a valve arrangement is provided which prevents undesirable pressure spikes in the die cavity during injection of molten material, and which effects rapid pressure buildup in the die cavity during solidification and curing of the molten material. The valve arrangement is operative to effect a regenerative or counterforce mode in the shot cylinder which limits the force applied during injection of molten material into the die cavity so as to substantially reduce pressure spikes, the regenerative mode being terminated in response to a predetermined pressure within the die cavity indicating that the die cavity is full.